International Student Guidelines

English Language Proficiency

Your academic success at USC depends on your ability to communicate in English. You need well-developed listening, speaking, reading and writing skills to understand and evaluate challenging material. The standard for language proficiency at a major research university is much greater than that required for everyday life. You should make every effort to acquire English proficiency prior to entering the university.

International Student English (ISE) Examination
International students who have not demonstrated adequate proficiency in English at the time of admission may be admitted with a continuing registration requirement to take the International Student English (ISE) Examination (administered by the American Language Institute) prior to enrollment. The second page of your admit letter from USC’s Office of Admission will indicate whether or not you must take the ISE. Details about USC’s English language proficiency requirements can be found on the Office of Graduate Admission website.

The ISE Exam is given in August for students entering in the fall semester, and in early January for students entering the spring semester.

When you register for the ISE Exam, you will be informed of the location and time of your test. Bring your USC letter of admission, your USC ID card or passport, and a pen.

The ISE Exam is a free placement exam with two parts that may be given on different days. Your proficiency in academic English is assessed in two areas:

1. Writing Skills
You will be given 40 minutes in which to write a composition. A team of trained and experienced examiners will read and evaluate your work for comprehensibility, academic style, vocabulary, grammar, development and coherence.

2. Oral Skills
Oral skills are assessed in an interview that takes approximately 10 minutes. The interview is carried out in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere by two interviewers who will ask you to talk about your background, the composition you wrote and a topic chosen by the interviewers. Your skills will be assessed according to fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar.

American Language Institute Courses

ALI summer courses are offered on campus for all students. Students are encouraged to take their required ALI classes in the summer before their degree programs begin. Students who wish to enroll will need to take the ISE Exam before classes start. Additional information is available on the ALI website.

American Language Institute Elective Courses

ALI offers a number of elective courses to help students improve their English skills. Most electives are 2 units and may include courses in pronunciation, writing dissertations and publications, English for job searches, and more. Other resources include conversation groups, one-on-one conversation partners, and workshops.

Contact Information:
(213) 740–0079
ali.usc.edu
askali@usc.edu